BOLLINGTON locals have hit out at plans to build a block of apartments on the banks of Macclesfield Canal, insisting it will make life "unbearable".

The borough council has already thrown out proposals to demolish a workshop and construct three houses on land adjacent to Round Gardens.

But developer Roger Bloor has appealed against the planning department's decision.

That has infuriated residents of Adlington Road, who now have to wait for a hearing to find out if the undesired development will go ahead.

And one woman who lives on the road has actually invited the planning inspectorate - who will handle the appeal - to visit her garden so that they can see for themselves the effect of the proposed development.

Helen Wood, 36, said: "Cramming in three homes very close behind our house would make our lives unbearable.

"We feel that the proposal is totally intrusive, unacceptable and quite outrageous.

"It would have a drastic effect on the lives of people on our road.

"While I fully understand the need for an appeals process, I don't wish the potential profits of one person to destroy the lives of many families.

"A skilled solicitor may be able to argue that the development has little or no effect on the surrounding properties, but that simply isn't true," she added. Residents in the street have mobilised and are having weekly meetings to discuss how to win the appeal.

Concerns included environmental implications, road safety and parking issues, added pressure on the area's antiquated Victorian sewers, and the fact that it is in a canal conservation area.

Helen said: "The main objection is that it would be wholly and totally un-neighbourly.

"The new apartments would tower above our house and severely reduce light and privacy."

The site is 14ft away from Helen's back door, and because the building would be several feet higher than her property it would reach above her roof.

Borough and Town Councillor Sylvia Roberts - whose ward the development is in - said she was confident the appeal would validate their unanimous decision to bin the plans.

She said: "As a town council we are against speculative developments like this.

"Borough council planning regulations also state a new development must be at least 42ft away from existing houses."

The appeal date has not yet been set, and Mr Bloor was unavailable for comment.